[Note: Elevated homocysteine has been associated with arterial narrowing/diminished blood flow & deteriorating mental function, heart disease, clots and stroke. Folic acid (folate) and B12 are required to break down homocysteine and control its levels in the blood.]

Abstract:Objective: Increased serum homocysteine and low folate levels are associated with a higher rate of conversion to dementia. This study examined the influence of vitamin B12/folic acid intake on the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia.

Participants: A community dwelling cohort of older adults (N=81) from the Vienna TransDanube aging study with MCI.

Design: Prospective study with a retrospective evaluation of vitamin intake.

Results: The self-reported combined use of folic acid and vitamin B12 for more than one year was associated with a lower conversion rate to dementia. Serum levels of homocysteine and vitamin B12 as measured at baseline or at five years were not associated with conversion.

Users of vitamin B12 or folate, independent of time and pattern of use, had lower grades of periventricular hyperintensities [spots in white matter associated with diminished brain health] and lower grades of deep white matter lesions as compared to non-users.

Conclusions: These results from a middle European study support observations on the protective ability of folate in MCI patients with respect to conversion to dementia; they also point to a participation of homocysteine metabolism on processes associated with brain atrophy.